Non-specialized Farm Laborer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s world, the importance of non-specialized farm laborers in maintaining our food supply has never been greater.
As agriculture continues to evolve, the need for hardworking individuals who can contribute to, adapt to, and protect our agricultural systems has become paramount.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a non-specialized farm laborer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker looking to understand the nature of this role,
- A hiring manager crafting the perfect job description,
- Or simply curious about the day-to-day responsibilities of a farm laborer,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable non-specialized farm laborer job description template, designed for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Non-specialized Farm Laborer Duties and Responsibilities
Non-specialized Farm Laborers perform a variety of tasks related to the cultivation and harvesting of crops, as well as the care and maintenance of livestock.
The role demands physical stamina and a versatile skill set.
The daily duties and responsibilities of a Non-specialized Farm Laborer include:
- Planting, fertilizing, and harvesting crops manually or using basic farming tools and machinery
- Assisting in the care and feeding of livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and poultry
- Maintaining and repairing farm equipment, structures, and fences
- Applying pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers to crops
- Inspecting crops to determine maturity or detect disease or insect damage
- Operating farm machinery, including tractors, ploughs, and harvesters
- Performing routine maintenance on farm buildings, fences, and other structures
- Assisting with the loading and unloading of harvested crops or livestock for transportation
- Helping with basic farm administrative tasks such as record keeping
Non-specialized Farm Laborer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated, hardworking Non-specialized Farm Laborer to assist with various farming duties.
The candidate will be responsible for manual labor tasks related to maintaining crops and livestock, operating farm machinery, and performing other tasks as required.
Our ideal candidate is physically fit, able to work in all weather conditions, and has a deep respect for the land and animals.
Responsibilities
- Plant, spray, weed, fertilize, and water plants, shrubs, and trees, using hand tools and gardening tools.
- Harvest fruits and vegetables by hand.
- Feed livestock and clean and disinfect their pens, cages, yards, and hutches.
- Examine animals to detect illnesses and injuries.
- Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
- Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilize soil, or to plant, cultivate, spray and harvest crops.
- Repair and paint farm buildings, fences, and other structures.
- Participate in the inspection, grading, sorting, storage, and post-harvest treatment of crops.
- Maintain and repair farm vehicles, implements, and mechanical equipment.
- Set up and operate irrigation equipment.
Qualifications
- No formal qualification is required, but previous farming experience is a plus.
- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and other techniques for maximizing agricultural output.
- Ability to do physical labor and other strenuous physical tasks.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Drivers license and the ability to operate farm machinery is desirable.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Housing may be provided
Additional Information
- Job Title: Non-specialized Farm Laborer
- Work Environment: Outdoor farm setting in various weather conditions. Physical stamina and strength are essential as the work can be physically demanding.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Farm Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $30,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Non-specialized Farm Laborer Do?
Non-specialized Farm Laborers work in the agricultural sector, usually on farms or ranches.
Their job roles are versatile, and they carry out various manual tasks necessary for the farm’s operation.
Farm laborers may be responsible for planting, fertilizing, and harvesting crops.
They often use hand tools, like shovels and hoes, as well as larger farming machinery for these purposes.
The maintenance and repair of farm equipment can also fall under their responsibilities.
This includes everything from tractors to irrigation systems, ensuring the smooth running of the farming operations.
Farm laborers are often involved in the care of farm animals.
This can include feeding, watering, and grooming, as well as assisting in the birth of new animals or administering medication when required.
They may also be required to perform minor construction tasks, such as building fences, repairing barns, or setting up new structures.
Non-specialized farm laborers often work under the direction of a farm manager or the farm owner, carrying out tasks as assigned.
Despite the physical nature of the role, it also requires good problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to varied and changing tasks.
Non-specialized Farm Laborer Qualifications and Skills
A Non-specialized Farm Laborer should possess a range of practical skills and basic knowledge about farming to effectively perform their duties, including:
- Physical stamina and strength for tasks such as lifting, bending, and operating machinery, often in harsh weather conditions.
- Basic knowledge of farming practices, including planting, irrigating, and harvesting crops.
- Attention to detail in observing changes in crops or livestock that may indicate disease or pests.
- Ability to operate and maintain basic farming machinery, such as tractors and irrigation equipment.
- Time management skills to perform various tasks efficiently and in accordance with farming schedules.
- Problem-solving skills to identify and address potential issues in the cultivation or care of crops and livestock.
- Communication skills to effectively coordinate with other farm workers and supervisors, and to relay important information about crops or livestock.
- Basic mechanical skills for simple equipment repairs can also be beneficial.
Non-specialized Farm Laborer Experience Requirements
Non-specialized Farm Laborers typically require minimal formal education and are often trained on the job.
They must be physically fit to handle the manual labor and long hours associated with this work.
People with experience in gardening, landscaping, or other physical labor jobs may already have some of the skills necessary for a farm laborer position.
Some farms may offer temporary or seasonal roles that can provide an entry point for those interested in gaining experience in farm work.
This hands-on experience is vital in learning the basics of crop cultivation, animal care, machinery operation and maintenance.
Farm Laborers with a few years of experience may develop a specialization, such as working with livestock or operating specific types of machinery.
Those with over 5 years of experience may have the necessary skills and understanding to take on a supervisory role, overseeing other laborers and managing daily farm operations.
Non-specialized Farm Laborer Education and Training Requirements
Non-specialized Farm Laborers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.
However, specific educational requirements may vary depending on the employer and the duties involved.
In most cases, farm laborers learn their tasks through on-the-job training.
This training may be brief and informal, particularly for laborers who perform routine tasks.
In more complex duties, such as operating machinery, training may be more comprehensive and could be supplemented by a short course at a community college or technical school.
Those who work with pesticides or other hazardous materials may need to complete a training program or certification course to understand safety procedures and regulations.
For those interested in the farming industry, obtaining a degree in agriculture or a related field can be advantageous, although it is not typically required for general labor tasks.
It’s also important to note that farm laborers require physical stamina and should be capable of performing strenuous tasks in various weather conditions.
Knowledge about the basics of farm operations and equipment handling can be an added advantage.
Although not required, some farm laborers choose to participate in continuing education opportunities to stay updated on farming techniques, safety protocols, and equipment advancements.
Non-specialized Farm Laborer Salary Expectations
A Non-specialized Farm Laborer can expect to earn an average wage of $12.64 (USD) per hour.
However, earnings can differ based on factors such as the amount of experience, location of the farm, and the specific requirements and conditions of the job.
Non-specialized Farm Laborer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Non-specialized Farm Laborer need?
Non-specialized Farm Laborers need to possess physical stamina as they spend most of their time working outdoors, often in harsh weather conditions.
They must also have mechanical skills for operating and maintaining farm equipment.
Basic knowledge of agriculture and farming practices, along with the ability to follow instructions, are also crucial skills.
Do Non-specialized Farm Laborers need a degree?
Non-specialized Farm Laborers do not typically need a degree.
Most of the skills required for this job are learned on the job.
However, having a high school diploma or its equivalent may be beneficial, especially for understanding instructions and carrying out basic calculations related to farm work.
What should you look for in a Non-specialized Farm Laborer resume?
Look for previous experience in farm work or any outdoor manual labor.
An ideal resume would list tasks such as planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and maintaining farm equipment.
Any certifications or training related to farming or the use of farming equipment can also be beneficial.
What qualities make a good Non-specialized Farm Laborer?
A good Non-specialized Farm Laborer is physically fit and able to perform strenuous tasks for extended periods.
They should be dedicated, hard-working, and able to work efficiently under minimal supervision.
Good communication skills are also important as they often need to work as part of a team.
What are the daily duties of a Non-specialized Farm Laborer?
On a typical day, a Non-specialized Farm Laborer might be involved in planting, irrigating, and harvesting crops.
They may also be required to operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment.
Other tasks might include feeding livestock, repairing fences and other farm structures, and cleaning farming areas.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the gritty details of what it truly means to be a non-specialized farm laborer.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about sowing seeds or harvesting crops.
It’s about cultivating the lands that feed our world, one crop at a time.
With our handy non-specialized farm laborer job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to embark on your journey.
But why stop at the doorstep?
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember this:
Every seed you plant contributes to the bigger harvest.
Let’s cultivate that future. Together.
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